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5.3.1.4 Thangami Tourism Development
The Thangami Tourism Development is a tourism initiative that (Figure 5.1.) is situated in
central Zululand in an underprivileged area. The idea with this development is to introduce
game into the area and establish this area as a private game park. Also found in this
environment are hot springs that naturally gush out from underground and it attracts tourists
from all walks of life. The Zululand District Municipality sees this development as an ideal
opportunity for local economic and tourism development in an area that was historically
deprived of development. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has assisted municipalities with funding
for tourism viable ventures. Currently, this appears to be the only source ofexternal funding
available for tourism in the District.
5.3.1.5 The Isibaya feasibility study
According to Appavoo and Associates (1998), the Isibaya project is to develop the tourism
potential that exists around King Zwelethini's Royal Palace known as Enyokeni, established
in the Usuthu area of Nongoma for the benefit of the local people. The area is home to well
known cultural festivals that could be opened up to the public, and shows that could draw a
significant amount ofvisitors to the area ifthey are well marketed. The planned development
includes an amphitheatre with ablutions and parking, an interpretive centre, an art and craft
centre, a central infrastructure, a conference centre, accommodation and services. The
intention is to create a strong Zulu feeling or atmosphere and keep the design as authentic as
possible as well as using indigenous plants in the landscaping features.
It is envisaged that the establishment ofthe proposed improvements will lead to the creation
of over 10000 temporary employment days. Furthermore. about 64 additional permanent
employment opportunities are envisaged from the proposed improvements. Moreover. the
management company will appoint a competent organisation to conduct training. One of the
underlying principles for this project is that community members must be employed. It is
again foreseen that senior staff employed would initially be brought in from other areas. but
that as members from the local community are trained they could replace the people brought
in from the outside. The adoption/implementation of a mentorship programme. which is
recommended can accelerate the upliftment of the employees from the local community
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